PORTSMOUTH — LTC Partners Chief Executive Officer Paul Forte proudly announced his company's $150,000 donation to Veterans Count, a group that provides emergency assistance to veterans and their families.

During a speech attended by more than 100 people at the company's Pease International Tradeport location, Forte praised the Veterans Affairs reform bill that President Barack Obama recently signed into law.

“We all know that no government agency, even a reformed one, can do everything that is needed to be done for American veterans, which is why volunteer efforts are necessary if not critical,” Forte said Tuesday. “Enter organizations like Easter Seals and Veterans Count.”

Veterans Count was formed in 2007 in partnership with Easter Seals of New Hampshire, the New Hampshire National Guard and the state Department of Health and Human Services.

Through donations from companies and individuals, Veterans Count provides immediate assistance to veterans and their families, “before, during and after deployment,” according to its Web site.

Recalling the 100-year anniversary of World War I that was commemorated last week, Forte said “it's not hard to see how isolated events can escalate and lead to widespread conflicts.”

“So it's important that we reflect often and deeply about what we owe to those who answered the call of duty, who stand ready to preserves our liberties,” he said.

Veterans returning home from war face a host of physical and mental challenges, Forte said, including wounds “that have rendered them unable to perform jobs for which they were trained.”

“So it's of the utmost importance that we make and strengthen our commitments to help them,” he said. “This means education, assistance with finding a good job and ongoing medical and mental health programs,” he said.

After watching a video produced by Veterans Count that featured a young child reaching out to a Vietnam veteran, Whalen told the crowd that when he was discharged from active duty in the Vietnam War, he was “ordered not to wear the uniform home” because of the opposition to the war.

“How I love today to get the welcome home from a fellow vet, but the real blessing for me is the gratitude and appreciation I share every day with our men and women who have served or continue to serve this great country of ours,” Whalen said.

“No one gets left behind, ever again, not on our watch,” Whalen said.

Retired Col. Rick Greenwood, Seacoast vice chairman for Veterans Count, told audience members that the group has raised $2.2 million and already handed out $1.6 million.

Veterans Count helps National Guard veterans who return to their homes when they're discharged and don't go back to a military branch.